Introduction
Earthquakes remain among the most unpredictable and destructive natural disasters, and 2025 was no exception. In April and May, Türkiye and Egypt experienced notable seismic events that disrupted lives and tested national preparedness. These incidents serve as critical reminders of the need for resilient infrastructure, cross-border cooperation, and effective disaster management.
Point covered
- What Causes Earthquakes?
- Türkiye’s Seismic Activity in May 2025
- Egypt’s Experience with the May 2025 Earthquake
- Comparative Analysis
- Lessons Learned
- Conclusion
What Causes Earthquakes?
Earthquakes occur when stress accumulates along geological faults and is suddenly released, sending shockwaves through the Earth’s crust. The epicenter is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above where the quake originates.
Türkiye’s Seismic Activity in April 2025
On April 23, 2025, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Sea of Marmara, approximately 21 km southeast of Marmara Ereğlisi and 73 km southwest of Istanbul. The tremor lasted 13 seconds and was the most powerful in the region since the 1999 İzmit earthquake. It had a maximum Modified Mercalli Intensity of VIII (Severe), affecting approximately 41,000 people directly and millions more indirectly. The quake also triggered a minor tsunami, with wave heights reaching up to 6 cm in some areas.
Egypt’s Experience with the May 2025 Earthquake
In the early hours of May 14, 2025, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 421 km south of Marsa Matrouh. The tremors were felt across northern Egypt, including in Cairo and Alexandria, waking residents and causing widespread concern. The quake’s epicenter was located near the island of Crete, and while there were no immediate reports of significant damage, the event highlighted Egypt’s vulnerability to seismic activities.
Comparative Analysis
| Aspect | Türkiye (April 2025) | Egypt (May 2025) |
| Magnitude | 6.2 | 6.4 |
| Epicenter Location | Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul | Mediterranean Sea, near Crete |
| Impact Area | Istanbul and surrounding regions | Northern Egypt, including Cairo and Alexandria |
| Casualties | Data not specified | No immediate reports of significant damage |
| Notable Effects | Minor tsunami, structural damage | Widespread tremors felt across major cities |
Lessons Learned
- The impact of earthquakes can be mitigated through technologies like GIS and strong preparedness strategies. The 2025 quakes in Türkiye and Egypt underscored the need for emergency plans, public awareness, and resilient infrastructure.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Ensuring buildings and infrastructure are designed to withstand seismic activities can mitigate damage.
- Regional Cooperation: Sharing data and resources between neighboring countries can enhance earthquake preparedness and response.
Conclusion
The seismic events of May 2025 in Türkiye and Egypt serve as stark reminders of the Earth’s dynamic nature. Consequently, by investing in preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and regional cooperation, nations can better protect their citizens from the unpredictable forces of nature. Moreover, as seismic risk and climate change increasingly intersect, academic and scientific communities are actively working to find solutions.
We encourage readers and professionals interested in urban and rural resilience to participate in the upcoming conference: Geographic Perspectives on Climate Change Mitigation in Urban and Rural Environments – 2nd Edition.
Taking place from 25–27, 2025, at Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.This event will bring together experts from geography, urban planning, and environmental science to discuss sustainable solutions, disaster risk reduction, and climate-smart urban design crucial topics in a rapidly changing world.
